Practices Used by NCAA Division I Power Five Athletics Programs to Increase Athlete Inclusion
Keywords:
athlete isolation, athlete inclusion, athlete development, Power FiveAbstract
One of the National Collegiate Athletic Association’s (NCAA) basic purposes is to maintain the athlete as a central part of the student body, however, little research has examined the best practices Power 5 athletic departments utilize to make athletes an integral part of the student body. Inclusion officers, student-athlete development directors, and life skills coordinators from the Power 5 conferences received a survey to explore whether the administrators believed athletes are isolated from their non-athlete peers and what actions departments are taking to increase inclusion.
Ninety-seven percent of participants believed athletes to be sometimes or always isolated from the greater campus community and uninvolved compared to non-athlete peers. The most common reasons administrators said athletes were isolated included time demands, time spent at practice or competition, and location of athletic facilities. To increase athlete inclusion outside of athletics, participants said their department collaborated with other campus partners and departments to show athletes other campus opportunities. Some administrators advocated for consistent communication to athletes about other events on campus and constant encouragement from multiple parties to get involved in activities outside of sports. Recommendations for practice are discussed.
References
References
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Astin, A. W. (1984). Student involvement: A developmental theory for higher education. Journal of college student personnel, 25(4), 297-308.
Beamon, K. (2014). Racism and stereotyping on campus: Experiences of African American male student-athletes. The Journal of Negro Education, 83(2), 121-134.
Bimper Jr, A. Y. (2017). Mentorship of black student-athletes at a predominately white American university: Critical race theory perspective on student-athlete development. Sport, Education and Society, 22(2), 175-193.
Boughton, E., & Neyer, M. (2001). Advising and counseling student-athletes. New Directions for Student Services, 93, 47-53.
Brand, M. (2006). The role and value of intercollegiate athletics in universities. Journal of the Philosophy of Sport, 33(1), 9-20.
Cacioppo, J. T., & Cacioppo, S. (2014). Social relationships and health: The toxic effects of perceived social isolation. Social and Personality Psychology Compass, 8(2), 58-72.
Chang, M. J., N. Denson, V. Saenz, and K. Misa. (2004). The educational benefits of cross-racial interaction for undergraduates: A hierarchical linear modeling study. Paper presented at a conference of the Association for Institutional Research, Boston.
Chickering, A. W., & Gamson, Z. F. (1987). Seven principles for good practice in undergraduate education. AAHE Bulletin, 39(7), 3–7.
Clotfelter, C. T. (2019). Big-time sports in American universities. Cambridge University Press.
Comeaux, E. (2011). Examination of faculty attitudes toward division I college student-athletes. College Student Affairs Journal, 30(1), 75-87.
Comeaux, E., & Harrison, C. K. (2007). Faculty and male student athletes: Racial differences in the environmental predictors of academic achievement. Race, Ethnicity and Education, 10(2), 199–214.
Comeaux, E., & Harrison, C. K. (2011). A conceptual model of academic success for student–athletes. Educational Researcher, 40(5), 235-245.
Comeaux, E., Speer, L., Taustine, M., & Harrison, C.K. (2011) Purposeful engagement of first-year Division I student-athletes. Journal of the First-Year Experience & Students in Transition, 23(1), 35-52.
Gayles, J. G. (2015). Engaging student athletes. In Quaye, S. J., & Harper, S. R. (Eds.), Student engagement in higher education: Theoretical perspectives and practical approaches for diverse populations (pp. 209-220). Routledge.
Gayles, J. G., Crandall, R., & Morin, S. (2018). Student-athletes' sense of belonging: Background characteristics, student involvement, and campus climate. International Journal of Sport & Society: Annual Review, 9(1), 23 - 38.
Gayles, J. G., & Hu, S. (2009). The influence of student engagement and sport participation on college outcomes among division I student athletes. The Journal of Higher Education, 80(3), 315-333.
Gurney, G., Lopiano, D. A., & Zimbalist, A. (2016). Unwinding madness: What went wrong with college sports and how to fix it. Brookings Institution Press.
Harper, S. R. (2018). Black male student-athletes and racial inequities in NCAA Division I college sports: 2018 edition.
Harrison, C., & Lawrence, S. (2004). African American student-athletes’ perception of career transition in sport: A qualitative and visual elicitation. Race, Ethnicity and Education, 6, 373-394.
Hirko, S. (2009). Intercollegiate athletics and modeling multiculturalism. New Directions for Higher Education, 148, 91-100.
Hyatt, R. (2003). Barriers to persistence among African American intercollegiate athletes: A literature review of non-cognitive variables. College Student Journal, 37(2), 260-276.
Kolb, S. M. (2012). Grounded theory and the constant comparative method: Valid research strategies for educators. Journal of Emerging Trends in Educational Research and Policy Studies, 3(1), 83-86.
Matthews, T., Danese, A., Wertz, J., Odgers, C. L., Ambler, A., Moffitt, T. E., & Arseneault, L. (2016). Social isolation, loneliness and depression in young adulthood: a behavioral genetic analysis. Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology, 51(3), 339-348.
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NCAA Division I Manual 2018-2019 (2018). http://www.ncaapublications.com/productdownloads/D119.pdf
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Ozaki, C. C., & Johnston, M. (2008). The space in between: Issues for multiracial student organizations and advising. New Directions for Student Services, 123, 53-61.
Pacific 12 Conference (2016). Student athlete time demands. Penn Shoen Berland. http://www.cbssports.com/images/Pac-12-Student-Athlete-Time-Demands-Obtained-by-CBS-Sports.pdf
Pascarella, E. T., & Terenzini, P. T. (2005). How college affects students: A third decade of research. Jossey-Bass.
Potuto, J. J. R., & O'Hanlon, J. (2007). National study of student-athletes regarding their experiences as college students. College Student Journal, 41(4).
Rankin, S., Merson, D., Garvey, J.C., Sorgen, C.H., Menon, I., Loy, K., & Oseguera, L. (2016). The influence of climate on the academic and athletic success of student-athletes: Results from a multi-institutional national study. The Journal of Higher Education, 87(5), pp. 701-730
Remer, R., Tongate, F. A., & Watson, J. (1978). Athletes: Counseling the overprivileged minority. Personnel and Guidance Journal, 56, 626-629.
Rossman, G. B., & Rallis, S. F. (2016). An introduction to qualitative research: Learning in the field. Sage Publications.
Rubin, L. M., & Moses, R. A. (2017). Athletic subculture within student-athlete academic centers. Sociology of Sport Journal, 34(4), 317-328.
Sellers, R. M., & Kuperminc, G. P. (1997). Goal discrepancy in African American male student-athletes' unrealistic expectations for careers in professional sports. Journal of Black Psychology, 23(1), 6-23.
Southall, R. M., Eckard, E. W., Nagel, M. S., & Hale, J. M. (2012). Adjusted graduation gap report: NCAA Division-I football. College Sport Research Institute.
Strauss, A. L., & Corbin, J. M. (1998). Basics of qualitative research: Techniques and procedures for developing grounded theory (2nd ed.). Sage Publications.
Tinto, V. (1993). Leaving college: Rethinking the causes and cures of student attrition. University of Chicago Press.
Valentine, J., & Taub, D. J. (1999). Responding to the developmental needs of student athletes. Journal of College Counseling, 2, 164-180.
Vollman, A. (2016, February 12). Q-and-A: NCAA Chief Inclusion Officer discusses equity in college athletics. Insight into Diversity. https://www.insightintodiversity.com/q-and-a-ncaa-chief-inclusion-officer-discusses-equity-in-college-athletics/.
Weight, E. A., & Huml, M. R. (2016). Education through athletics: An examination of academic courses designed for NCAA athletes. Journal of Intercollegiate Sport, 9(2), 352-378.
Wolniak, G. C., Pierson, C. T., & Pascarella, E. T. (2001). Effects of intercollegiate athletics participation on male orientations toward learning. Journal of College Student Development, 42(6), 604–624.
Wolverton, B. (2016, January 8). NCAA considers easing demands on athletes' time. The Chronicle of Higher Education.
Adler, P. A., & Adler, P. (1991). Backboards & blackboards: College athletics and role engulfment. Columbia University Press.
Astin, A. W. (1984). Student involvement: A developmental theory for higher education. Journal of college student personnel, 25(4), 297-308.
Beamon, K. (2014). Racism and stereotyping on campus: Experiences of African American male student-athletes. The Journal of Negro Education, 83(2), 121-134.
Bimper Jr, A. Y. (2017). Mentorship of black student-athletes at a predominately white American university: Critical race theory perspective on student-athlete development. Sport, Education and Society, 22(2), 175-193.
Boughton, E., & Neyer, M. (2001). Advising and counseling student-athletes. New Directions for Student Services, 93, 47-53.
Brand, M. (2006). The role and value of intercollegiate athletics in universities. Journal of the Philosophy of Sport, 33(1), 9-20.
Cacioppo, J. T., & Cacioppo, S. (2014). Social relationships and health: The toxic effects of perceived social isolation. Social and Personality Psychology Compass, 8(2), 58-72.
Chang, M. J., N. Denson, V. Saenz, and K. Misa. (2004). The educational benefits of cross-racial interaction for undergraduates: A hierarchical linear modeling study. Paper presented at a conference of the Association for Institutional Research, Boston.
Chickering, A. W., & Gamson, Z. F. (1987). Seven principles for good practice in undergraduate education. AAHE Bulletin, 39(7), 3–7.
Clotfelter, C. T. (2019). Big-time sports in American universities. Cambridge University Press.
Comeaux, E. (2011). Examination of faculty attitudes toward division I college student-athletes. College Student Affairs Journal, 30(1), 75-87.
Comeaux, E., & Harrison, C. K. (2007). Faculty and male student athletes: Racial differences in the environmental predictors of academic achievement. Race, Ethnicity and Education, 10(2), 199–214.
Comeaux, E., & Harrison, C. K. (2011). A conceptual model of academic success for student–athletes. Educational Researcher, 40(5), 235-245.
Comeaux, E., Speer, L., Taustine, M., & Harrison, C.K. (2011) Purposeful engagement of first-year Division I student-athletes. Journal of the First-Year Experience & Students in Transition, 23(1), 35-52.
Gayles, J. G. (2015). Engaging student athletes. In Quaye, S. J., & Harper, S. R. (Eds.), Student engagement in higher education: Theoretical perspectives and practical approaches for diverse populations (pp. 209-220). Routledge.
Gayles, J. G., Crandall, R., & Morin, S. (2018). Student-athletes' sense of belonging: Background characteristics, student involvement, and campus climate. International Journal of Sport & Society: Annual Review, 9(1), 23 - 38.
Gayles, J. G., & Hu, S. (2009). The influence of student engagement and sport participation on college outcomes among division I student athletes. The Journal of Higher Education, 80(3), 315-333.
Gurney, G., Lopiano, D. A., & Zimbalist, A. (2016). Unwinding madness: What went wrong with college sports and how to fix it. Brookings Institution Press.
Harper, S. R. (2018). Black male student-athletes and racial inequities in NCAA Division I college sports: 2018 edition.
Harrison, C., & Lawrence, S. (2004). African American student-athletes’ perception of career transition in sport: A qualitative and visual elicitation. Race, Ethnicity and Education, 6, 373-394.
Hirko, S. (2009). Intercollegiate athletics and modeling multiculturalism. New Directions for Higher Education, 148, 91-100.
Hyatt, R. (2003). Barriers to persistence among African American intercollegiate athletes: A literature review of non-cognitive variables. College Student Journal, 37(2), 260-276.
Kolb, S. M. (2012). Grounded theory and the constant comparative method: Valid research strategies for educators. Journal of Emerging Trends in Educational Research and Policy Studies, 3(1), 83-86.
Matthews, T., Danese, A., Wertz, J., Odgers, C. L., Ambler, A., Moffitt, T. E., & Arseneault, L. (2016). Social isolation, loneliness and depression in young adulthood: a behavioral genetic analysis. Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology, 51(3), 339-348.
Miller, P. S., & Kerr, G. A. (2003). The role experimentation of intercollegiate student athletes. Sport Psychologist, 17(2), 196-220.
NCAA Division I Manual 2018-2019 (2018). http://www.ncaapublications.com/productdownloads/D119.pdf
NCAA GOALS study of the student-athlete experience: Initial summary of findings (2016). http://www.ncaa.org/sites/default/files/GOALS_2015_summary_jan2016_final_20160627.pdf
Ozaki, C. C., & Johnston, M. (2008). The space in between: Issues for multiracial student organizations and advising. New Directions for Student Services, 123, 53-61.
Pacific 12 Conference (2016). Student athlete time demands. Penn Shoen Berland. http://www.cbssports.com/images/Pac-12-Student-Athlete-Time-Demands-Obtained-by-CBS-Sports.pdf
Pascarella, E. T., & Terenzini, P. T. (2005). How college affects students: A third decade of research. Jossey-Bass.
Potuto, J. J. R., & O'Hanlon, J. (2007). National study of student-athletes regarding their experiences as college students. College Student Journal, 41(4).
Rankin, S., Merson, D., Garvey, J.C., Sorgen, C.H., Menon, I., Loy, K., & Oseguera, L. (2016). The influence of climate on the academic and athletic success of student-athletes: Results from a multi-institutional national study. The Journal of Higher Education, 87(5), pp. 701-730
Remer, R., Tongate, F. A., & Watson, J. (1978). Athletes: Counseling the overprivileged minority. Personnel and Guidance Journal, 56, 626-629.
Rossman, G. B., & Rallis, S. F. (2016). An introduction to qualitative research: Learning in the field. Sage Publications.
Rubin, L. M., & Moses, R. A. (2017). Athletic subculture within student-athlete academic centers. Sociology of Sport Journal, 34(4), 317-328.
Sellers, R. M., & Kuperminc, G. P. (1997). Goal discrepancy in African American male student-athletes' unrealistic expectations for careers in professional sports. Journal of Black Psychology, 23(1), 6-23.
Southall, R. M., Eckard, E. W., Nagel, M. S., & Hale, J. M. (2012). Adjusted graduation gap report: NCAA Division-I football. College Sport Research Institute.
Strauss, A. L., & Corbin, J. M. (1998). Basics of qualitative research: Techniques and procedures for developing grounded theory (2nd ed.). Sage Publications.
Tinto, V. (1993). Leaving college: Rethinking the causes and cures of student attrition. University of Chicago Press.
Valentine, J., & Taub, D. J. (1999). Responding to the developmental needs of student athletes. Journal of College Counseling, 2, 164-180.
Vollman, A. (2016, February 12). Q-and-A: NCAA Chief Inclusion Officer discusses equity in college athletics. Insight into Diversity. https://www.insightintodiversity.com/q-and-a-ncaa-chief-inclusion-officer-discusses-equity-in-college-athletics/.
Weight, E. A., & Huml, M. R. (2016). Education through athletics: An examination of academic courses designed for NCAA athletes. Journal of Intercollegiate Sport, 9(2), 352-378.
Wolniak, G. C., Pierson, C. T., & Pascarella, E. T. (2001). Effects of intercollegiate athletics participation on male orientations toward learning. Journal of College Student Development, 42(6), 604–624.
Wolverton, B. (2016, January 8). NCAA considers easing demands on athletes' time. The Chronicle of Higher Education.
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2021-11-10
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